University of the Cumberlands’ Phi Alpha Theta (PAT) history honor society chapter, Upsilon-Upsilon, traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for a lecture at the national headquarters for the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Nov. 11. The trip included a visit to the Speed Art Museum at the University of Louisville and an exhibition visit at the Frazier History Museum.
Tristan New, Andee Schuck, Dr. Khalil Habib, Amanda Kelly and Olivia O’Malley
Guest speaker, Dr. Khalil Habib, discussed William Shakespeare as a statesman, a political agent of his time. One play in particular, “Julius Caesar” dealt with the balance of liberty and tyranny. Dr. Habib argued that Shakespeare was a political philosopher, and his writings still resonate in modern politics.
“Trips such as these are excellent ways for students, even students who take similar classes, to bond outside of the classroom and campus,” Dr. Nathan Coleman, PAT faculty advisor, said. “Attending lectures on topics such as Shakespeare and leadership exposes students to the world of ideas; it broadens their minds, and allows them to hear material that can’t always be covered in courses.”
Four PAT members, seniors Tristan New (Whitley City, Kentucky), Andrea Schuck (Little Rock, Iowa), Amanda Kelly (Georgetown, Kentucky) and junior Olivia O’Malley (Herdon, Virginia) went on the trip alongside Dr. Coleman.
“I enjoyed hanging out with my fellow PAT members and visiting Louisville, as I had never been there before,” Schuck said. “My favorite part was browsing the wide variety of Art in the Sped Art Museum, especially the display of Native American art from South Dakota.”
PAT, known for hosting a lecture series featuring prominent historians, scholars and professors, hoped to bring Dr. Habib to Cumberlands in the spring for a lecture. Dr. Habib is an associate professor of philosopy at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. PAT also hoped to plan another trip in the spring semester for its members.
“From a personal standpoint, it just a whole of fun to travel with students and get to know them outside of the classroom, “Dr. Coleman said. “It’s one of the things that make teaching at UC so special.”
Amanda Kelly 